Anyone familiar with Kendal in Cumbria?

[LanternFields]

My DD (30) is thinking of moving there to work, will be renting and possibly wishing to stay for a few years. We have family in the Lakes, although further north, so it would be nice for her to be closer to them, too.

As I haven't been up there for a good few years, does anyone know if it has changed at all, and if it is still a decent place to live? She is going so stay for a few weeks next friday so will see then, but would love some info if anyone has some!

We have friends who live in Kendal - it’s a nice enough town with pockets of real deprivation and there is a drugs issue there, plus problems with county lines.

But I wouldn’t say there was any more pockets of deprivation than most small- medium sized towns in the North West. There are also real pockets of middle class wealth.

It seems to attract more culture / events than a place of its size should and I agree with the PP who says it generally feels pretty safe most areas at night.

The rental market is a nightmare from what I hear, and is a nightmare in most of that part of the world. There’s just so many second homes / AirBnBs etc. and not enough rentals for longer term.

It’s the home of Lakeland. What’s not to like 🤷‍♀️

Which is in Windermere

Someone has mentioned Morecambe - I’m not sure I’d want to do that commute daily.

Morecambe is a bloody beautiful place but certainly also has its issues with pockets of deprivation, drugs, antisocial behaviour. But as I said, I think that’s the case for lots of places in this part of the world.

Oh of course. If I was going to rank them I’d probably go Hallgarth, Sandylands and then Kirkbarrow.

No it's not!

Lakeland Plastics (as was), now Lakeland has always been based from Windermere.

I spent a childhood helping stuff Lakeland plastics catalogues in envelopes - the original side hustle for SAHMs in the area!

Whoops. Soz.

K Shoes?

This turned very interesting

I don't think she would like Morcambe.

I will probably advise her to spend a week there and one in Shrewsbury instead of a few weeks in Kendal alone. Cast the net wider, so to speak.

I have never been a huge fan of the Lakes myself, whilst it is very beautiful it feels truly commercialised, very little 'flavour' left. I am possibly biased as I prefer a more settled climate

Correct, but now sadly gone.

Our survey said the top answer for things Kendal is famous for was.... Kendal Mintcake

Just a thought @LanternFields , would her employer be able to help her find accommodation to start with? Even a room in someone's house could be a way forward while she looks for her own place.

I live inbetween lancaster and kendal. Yes to kendal although a little quiet, but if that suits her then it would be perfect. If kendal is a good fit for her then 100% avoid morecambe. The two don't even compare. I'd pick kendal over penrith, penrith to me is a bit like the town time forgot. There's a similar feeling with a lot of Cumbrian towns, but kendal doesn't really feel this way although a drive/train trip is needed away if you want to go to more well known shops or activities other than the outdoors - even the cinema whilst lovely at the brewery- isn't anything like an odeon but that's countryside life vs city life I guess!

I think the idea about Morecambe is availability as Kendal is now pretty close to impossible to find somewhere to rent.

Yes, I agree, the availability thing is important.
She is now thinking of Shrewsbury!

She is self employed and wfh so no issue work wise. She wanted to work in Kendal as she loves the environment.

She could also have a look at Lancaster. Lots of friends who live there and many are very outdoorsy - good links to the Lakes and the Dales. I don’t think the rental situation is as difficult as it is in Kendal.

It is a nice idea, and she has friends there but hasn't come across any rentals worth looking into. Most are shared houses or in low heel streets atm.
She can afford to spend, although not silly money, mostly around £800 or less.

I know Lancaster is a rental market driven a lot by student housing, as well as general movement of people (staff/student) into and out of the area because of the university.

I’ve just looked myself and been surprised by how much rents have increased since we lived there a few years ago.

True, if you exclude student housing or HMO's from your search there's barely anything left. Shame, there used to be some fantastic rentals in Lancaster. Better luck on the edges of the city although would need to drive.

Tell her to look at Penrith!

I don't think I've ever seen Morecambe described as beautiful before 😂

@somelikeithotternow to be fair, I mainly mean standing on the prom in Morecambe and looking out

So I guess more accurately would be “the view from Morecambe is bloody beautiful” 😂

Morecambe is horrible

We used to live in Kendal, I found a rental on Facebook on one of the local groups so that might be worth a look. There are some EXTREMELY old school landlords in Cumbria so it’s also worth checking the local paper. One rental we had near Penrith was found in the back of the Herald, it was on a posh estate and we had to be interviewed before we were allowed to view but it was a gorgeous cottage and super cheap.

I don’t think Morecambe is as bad as people are making out, having lived there myself for several years.

Its got its rough bits yes, but the scenery is beautiful. And the people are generally pretty nice. And the houses were cheap as chips at that point. There are some great local businesses.

The sunsets were special even.

I am hopeful that the new Eden Project might bring some more money into the area.

But the whole area is full of places with beautiful scenery and views without the downsides of Morecambe. I find it a very down-at-heel and depressing place tbh, and I haven't really even been into the rougher bits!